Monthly Archives: September 2014

Nobody likes wrinkles. Wrinkles are for your grandma who’s in her eighties… not for you, right? Well at least that’s how I feel. I’ve always heard that it’s never too early to use anti-wrinkle or anti-aging products so I figured why not? And everyone needs a moisturizer, so this is the perfect place for me to start.

Foxbrim’s Complete Anti Aging Moisturizer with Retinol boasts a number of benefits, including anti aging and anti wrinkle effects, and does not cause dryness, flaking or irritation. What’s even better is they offer a money back guarantee! Here are some facts and pointers from the Amazon product page:

FINALLY! GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT: Foxbrim provides you a Complete 1% Retinol Moisturizer as the most effective anti-aging and anti-wrinkle cream available. Get the FULL benefits of Retinol in a scientifically proven formula ★ The Complete Anti-Aging Moisturizer ★

YES! EVEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: 1% PURE Retinol ensures you get all benefits of Retinol without worry. Most other Retinol products cause you to worry about dryness, flaking and irritation. Foxbrim’s advanced delivery formulation couples Retinol with soothing natural antioxidants for the ultimate skin repair moisturizer.

FOXBRIM PROUDLY PROVIDES YOU A ★RISK FREE★ MONEY BACK GUARANTEE You order without worry! Try Foxbrim’s Complete Anti-Aging Moisturizer. If you’re unsatisfied in any way with your results we will provide you a full refund (covering every single penny!). You truly have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

First impressions: I love anything that makes my life easier, which includes the handy pump on the top of the bottle. It also has a cap, which helps to keep the product from drying out. Something else that may seem trivial to others is that the base of the bottle is wider than the rest, making it harder to knock over. It sounds silly, but it’s things like those which make the difference to me. Anything that provides ease and convenience makes my day happier.

First use: Since I’ve been pregnant, as many of you can attest to, my nose has become insanely sensitive. Because of that I’ve become more concerned with how my products smell. I seem to pick up everything, good and bad. This product smells great, so I have no problems putting it on my face where my nose is forced to sniff it regularly. The product has a nice consistency- it doesn’t seem watery, but it’s not too thick too. Application is a breeze, just pump a bit on your finger tips and apply to your face and neck.

Results: As I’ve said before, I’ve yet to notice any wrinkles on my face so it’s difficult for me to say how effective it is at wrinkle reduction. I can only hope that it lives up to its claims of wrinkle prevention! However, in terms of moisturizer, I’m really happy with it. My skin has not had any negative reactions to it, and after use my face feels hydrated and silky.

Overall, I’d recommend this product to anyone looking for some help with aging or wrinkles. Or even if you’re just looking for a high quality moisturizer to use for every day.

To purchase this product, click the picture to be taken to the product’s Amazon page.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Today I’m switching gears a bit from the usual beauty products, on to a fabulous kitchen gadget. I love cooking with garlic and can always taste the difference if I leave it out (or forget it). But I’m really not a fan of cutting it, especially mincing it. It’s sticky, leaves my hands stinking like garlic, and I can never seem to get the pieces cut small enough. Because of this, I’ve been buying pre-cut garlic in a jar, but I can taste the difference! There’s just nothing better than FRESH garlic. So I’ve found the solution: the OrBlue Propresser Garlic Press.

There are many benefits to having a garlic press in your kitchen gadget repertoire, especially one that is as well made as this one. Here are some facts and pointers provided by the folks at OrBlue:

1. ENJOY AN UNPRECEDENTED 200% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE – I am so confident you’re going to love your Propresser Garlic Press I’m offering it with a ridiculous double guarantee. If you have ANY problems with your Propresser Garlic Press FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE PRODUCT simply let me know and I will refund every penny of your purchase AND send you a brand new unit free of charge.

2. QUALITY YOU CAN COUNT ON – Unlike many of the garlic pressers on the market that are made from cheap zinc alloy, your Propresser Garlic Press is fashioned from 100% stainless steel. It won’t rust, won’t weaken at the joint, and won’t break. We’ve meticulously designed the Propresser Garlic Press to serve you for years and decades to come.

3. DESIGNED WITH EASE OF USE IN MIND – Hold the Propresser Garlic Press in your hand. Note the thickness of the handles and how comfortably your fingers wrap around them. With a clove of garlic nestled in the basket the handles are the ideal distance apart to maximize leverage. Gently squeeze the handles together. You’ll be delighted at how easily, how effortlessly your Propresser Garlic Press produces perfectly minced garlic.

4. CLEANUP IS A BREEZE – Now you can enjoy the flavor and health benefits of garlic instantly without the hassle of messy cleanup. Simply flip up the Propresser Garlic Press’s basket, rinse it under your faucet, and you’re done!

5. A BEAUTIFUL ADDITION TO YOUR KITCHEN – When you first remove the Propresser Garlic Press from its box marvel at the way light dances over the stainless steel handles and glides over the curves of its ergonomic design. This is no mere utensil – this is a handsome complement to your kitchen’s décor.

When Quality and Convenience Count, Nothing But Propresser Will Do!

Here are 5 Reasons You’re Going to LOVE Your Propresser Garlic Press
1. It easily minces garlic in one press! (No more sore palms or aching fingers like you get with other garlic presses)
2. Large capacity basket! (Press good sized cloves … even if you leave the peels on)
3. No more stinky “garlic hands”! (Easy to use and even easier to clean so you won’t have to worry about smelling like garlic cloves all day)
4. Heavy duty, quality construction! (BUT it weighs in at a svelte 9.3 oz so ANYONE can use it effortlessly)
5. Backed by an INSANE Double Guarantee! (Order yours now because you literally RISK NOTHING!)
Order your own Propresser Garlic Press today. Use it in your kitchen to effortlessly press garlic and add loads of flavor to your favorite dishes.
Once you’ve seen for yourself how handsome is the Propresser Garlic Press, how easy it is to use, how quickly you can clean it, we’re confident you’ll have LOADS MORE than 5 reasons to love it!

First impressions: This thing is STURDY! Of course they offer a guarantee on something as well made as this garlic press, because you’re not going to need it! It is substantial, well made and fits well in my hand. Mine looks a bit different than the one in the pictures on the Amazon listing. It has green silicone handles that make it that much more comfy in my hand. I fiddled with it a bit and discovered that the piece with the holes in it where the garlic comes out will actually swivel out for easy cleaning. What a genius idea!

First use: I had already purchased the things I needed to make my famous rustic potato sausage soup with kale. It calls for 2-3 minced garlic cloves, which is usually a giant pain in the booty for me because I HATE cutting garlic. When the time came to put the garlic into the soup, I just popped a few cloves off the garlic head, smooshed them with my knife so the peel could be removed and popped them into what I call the “squeeze chamber”. I held the press over the pot and squeezed, and little pieces of garlic came out of the holes. I just used my knife to scrape them off into the pot and I was done! I opened the “squeeze chamber” to check out what was left behind and was very impressed by how little remained. Clean up was a breeze with the piece that swivels out. It’s top rack dishwasher safe, but I found hand washing to be ideal because it was so incredibly easy.

Results: In other uses I’ve discovered that if you are in a time crunch, or just REALLY don’t want to touch the garlic, you can put an entire clove inside, peel and all, and it will still press the garlic for you. In the 3 weeks or so that I’ve had it, I’ve used it every single time that I’ve needed garlic. No more garlic powder, no more jars of pre cut garlic… just fresh garlic from here on out!

To purchase the Orblue Propresser Garlic Press, click this link to be taken to the Amazon product page: http://www.amazon.com/70-OFF-TODAY-Propresser-Stainless/dp/B00HHLNRVE

-OR- visit their website at www.orblue.com

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

In my eternal quest for fabulous skin, I’ve started to use Day by Day Beauty’s Vitamin C Serum. With ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid, it is known for reducing wrinkles, helping to clear acne, fading sun spots, shrinking pores, and calming inflammation. With benefits like that, what’s not to love?!

Here are a few tips and tricks provided on the Amazon product page:

1. VITAMIN C SERUM: Order it Now! Just a single 1 fluid ounce bottle of Day By Day Vitamin C Serum reduces fine lines and wrinkles … fades sun spots … reverses signs of aging … shrinks pores, helps with acne, and calms inflammation … neutralizes free radicals – and so much more! Continue reading to discover how you can beautify your skin at NO RISK!

2. ANTI AGING SERUM: Want to see how it WORKS? Day By Day Vitamin C Serum’s proprietary blend of organic vitamin C, E and hyaluronic acid turns back the hands of time and makes embarrassing wrinkles, sun spots and uneven skin tone a thing of your distant past. MANY of our satisfied clients report their skin looks Better, Younger-Looking, and that these results may happen even within the First Few Days! It worked for others and it will work for you too!

3. BEST VITAMIN C SERUM FOR YOUR FACE: Buy 2 or More. You’re going to LOVE the way your face looks and feels once you begin using this product. Simply uncap your glass bottle of Day By Day Beauty’s Vitamin C Serum and squeeze a single application into the palm of your hand. The serum is clear, non-fragrant and easy to apply. Gently massage it into your face for smoother skin texture, wrinkle reduction and tighter, brighter skin in as little as 2 weeks!

5. BEYOND SKIN CARE: As a family-run business we appreciate you choosing us over a giant conglomerate. And to honor your trust in us we back your purchase with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Purchase your own bottle of Day By Day Beauty’s Vitamin C Serum. Try it for yourself. In the unlikely event that it does not exceed your highest expectations simply let us know and we’ll issue you a prompt and courteous refund of your full purchase price. ★ RESULTS OR YOUR MONEY BACK. Our Commitment is to your Complete Satisfaction. ★

First impressions: It sounds silly, but the blue glass bottle is really pretty! Also, when you remove the reusable cap, the squeeze top makes it very easy to control the amount of product you are using. As I said, the cap is reusable so once you are done you can put it back on to prevent spills and for easy storage. Another plus: it smells fantastic.

First use: I followed the directions and pumped a small amount onto my fingertips after I had cleansed my face. Using my fingers, I massaged it into my face. The directions suggest waiting a few minutes before continuing with your beauty routine so that it can fully sink in, so I moved on and brushed my hair, etc. I can see how easily using this Vitamin C Serum can fit into my morning routine. After a few minutes it had fully absorbed into my skin, so I went ahead and applied my usual moisturizer and make up.

Results: I’m really impressed by how my skin feels after I use it. As I said, because it smells fantastic, it makes application that much more pleasant. And after it has absorbed into my skin, it feels refreshing and bright. As far as long term results and benefits that Vitamin C Serum provides, it is hard to say. Since I’ve yet to hit 30, I don’t have wrinkles, sunspots or signs of aging. And the acne I have is due to the hormones of pregnancy, which at this point I’m convinced I’m just going to have to deal with for the next few months. However, my skin absolutely feels brighter and refreshed.

Overall, this product is definitely worth trying out. The ingredients and wide ranging benefits are not age specific, so it is great to try at any age. To purchase this product, click the link to be taken to their Amazon product page: http://www.amazon.com/Best-Vitamin-Serum-Beautifies-Face/dp/B00GCQMSVA Or to visit their website, click here: http://daybydaybeauty.com

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

It is inevitable… your baby or toddler will get sick. The worst part for me is the helplessness that I feel knowing that there is actually very little that I can do to make my little man feel better. Just last week Bennett got hit with a crazy virus that drove his fever WAY WAY up and made his nose excessively leaky. Lucky for me, I had just received the SnotSuk Nasal Aspirator and was able to relieve a bit of his stuffed up nose.

First impressions: Eww. For those who know me, I have issues with snot and boogers. Give me throw up, poop or pee any day over snot. I really can’t explain my aversion, it’s just the way it is I suppose. So the concept of using my mouth to suck snot from his nose made my stomach roll. A good friend of mine had told me before about a different brand that essentially does the same thing, and she swears by it. So I figured if she could do it, and she promised me that fluids were not actually exchanged, then I could at least try it. I read the instructions in provided in the box and was pleased to learn that while you use the suction power of your mouth to suck the snot from baby’s nose, the snot does not travel to anywhere near where your mouth is. Aaaahhh, a sigh of relief!

First use: Bennett’s leaky nose was out of control. He was sneezing, coughing and essentially choking on it when he’d try to lay down for a nap. So I followed the super simple assembly instructions and put together the SnotSuk aspirator. I laid Bennett down flat on my bed, and showed him the contraption so he wouldn’t freak out when I used it. I imagine you wouldn’t have this problem with younger children as they don’t typically have as much of an opinion as a two year old. After he had inspected it for a minute, I put the parent side into my mouth, stuck the pink tube into one of his nostril and sucked. My eww factor jumped up here because the amount of snot that it removed was revolting. It actually worked… and not only did it work, it REALLY worked. I couldn’t believe it was even possible for such a little nose to hold so much yuck.

Results: The first few passes were incredibly successful. It did not cause Bennett any discomfort, and he actually giggled a bit in the beginning. After the first few tries, he grew tired of me poking at him and grew frustrated. Again, another problem you wouldn’t have with an infant. But in all, it was incredibly successful. His nose was much more clear and he was able to lay down for a nap without hacking and choking. Cleaning the tube was a breeze, I just followed the simple instructions to dismantle the tube from the rest and washed it all in warm soapy water. Each package comes with several parent-side sponges to allow for quick and easy clean up should the snot reach that particular barrier.

Overall I was very impressed with the simplicity and user friendliness of the design. If I was able to do it, given my intense aversion to snot, then anyone can do it. After all, you’re just helping your baby breathe better!

To purchase this product, click the picture below to be taken to the Amazon product page.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Konjac Sponges are all the rage right now. As I’ve experienced an increase in acne since moving to a different climate, I’ve also experienced an interest in new products and beauty tools to help get it under control. I’ve read in a few different places that Konjac Sponges have been known to help with acne, and I’ve seen them in more than a few magazines as of late. So when I got the opportunity to test and review these two sponges I was VERY excited!

pureSOL Konjac Sponges have been known to have the following benefits according to their Amazon product pages:

IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE: pureSOL Konjac Facial Sponge gently exfoliates while deep cleansing and removing any toxins and impurities, leaving you with a radiant complexion. It is extremely soft and gentle for everyday skin care. Great for all skin types.

100% NATURAL AND ECO-FRIENDLY: Why compromise your health with products that contain harsh chemicals and additives on your skin? pureSOL Konjac Sponge is completely natural, eco-friendly and free of parabens, sulphates & chemicals. It is biodegrade, cruelty free and vegan. After use, you can compost the sponge and feel good about the environment! You can even add it to your flower pot! At pureSOL our packaging is 90% compostable

EASY-TO- HANG SUCTION HOOK: A must have for you konjac sponge! Perfect for hanging in a well-ventilated space so it’s dry and ready for you to use the following day. No more searching for something to hang your pureSOL Konjac Sponge on!

I’m particularly fond of their acne-fighting abilities, as well as their eco-friendly characteristics. Here are some highlights of my experiences with these two products.

The pureSOL Konjac Facial Sponge with added Bamboo Charcoal

First impressions: They live up to their claims of compostable packaging. The writing is to the point, which I always appreciate, and the paper packaging has a recyclable look and feel (in a good way). This particula Konjac sponge is a very dark grey, because of the bamboo charcoal, and when it is removed from the plastic wrapping (the part of the package that is not compostable) the sponge is hard to the touch. I followed the directions and soaked it in water until it became soft and sponge like. As an added bonus, it comes with a cute little suction cup and an attached string which makes for easy drying and storage between uses.

First use: As a Konjac Sponge newbie, I consulted with some veterans in one of the make up groups that I am a part of on Facebook. They suggested that since this sponge has the added benefits of Bamboo Charcoal, that I should cleanse first, and then use the sponge on my already clean face. The advice that pureSOL provides makes a number of suggestions about how to use the sponge, but everyone’s opinion of best way seems to be on a person by person basis. So, after reading quite a bit I decided to use my usual cleanser and make up remover first to get off all of the oil and make up. Then I used the Bamboo Charcoal sponge with some warm water and used it in a circular motion on my face.

Results: I love love love how my face feels after using this sponge. I’ve decided that I’ll keep this one on it’s little hook in he shower so that I can exfoliate every day. I usually find that products which are meant to exfoliate are actually pretty harsh and leave my face feeling a bit raw and abused. This is NOT the case with these Konjac Sponges. It gently exfoliates and massages without making you feel like you just rubbed sandpaper on yourself.

The pureSOL Konjac Facial Sponge Original

First impressions: This sponge is packaged just like the Bamboo Charcoal, except this sponge is white. Also like the Bamboo Charcoal sponge, it comes with the hook and string for ease of use.

First use: Because this sponge does not have anything added (like the Bamboo Charcoal), the consensus among my make up buddies is that it can be used with a cleanser or cleansing oil. So, I used my favorite cleansing oil. I applied the oil to my dry face as usual, and then used the wet sponge to gently exfoliate which sort of emulsified the oil. I also used the sponge to remove the cleansing oil. I just completely soaked it with water and wiped a few times until there was no residual residue. Then, just because I really like the feeling, I got the sponge wet again and rubbed again in circular motions.

Results: Just like with the Bamboo Charcoal sponge, my face feels amazing after use. I really love the feeling of the sponge on my face. It rinses very easily, and thanks to the handy hook, it dries a bit between uses and is always within reach. I particularly enjoy the hook because I don’t have to set it anywhere that it could potentially get dirty… it’s nice and safe hanging on the mirror.

Some pointers provided by the folks at pureSOL:

How to Use

When you receive the sponge it will be hard and dry like a loofah. You first need to soak the sponge for several minutes until it is fully soft. Please never try to use your sponge when it is hard.

Gently massage your face with or without your favorite cleanser. Should you choose to use a cleanser, apply only a fraction of your usual amount, as the sponge will generate more bubbles!

After use, rinse your Konjac Sponge and press it gently with two hands. Never wring the sponge as it will damage the fibers and won’t last as long!

Hang your pureSOL Konjac Sponge on the enclosed hook in a well-ventalated space. We recommend to replace your Konjac Sponge every 2-3 months or when it starts to break down. Your sponge may dry out between uses, it’s ok! All you need to do is soak the sponge again!

Tips & Tricks

If you live in a hot and humid climate we recommend storing your Konjac Sponge in the refrigerator in sealed container to extend the life. Please remember Konjac is a vegetable fiber and the sponge is completely natural with no preservatives or chemicals!

You can sterilize you sponge every few weeks by boiling it in water or putting it in a bowl of water in the microwave for a minute.

Your Konjac Sponge is biodegradable and can be composted after use! You can alway feel good about using your pureSOL Konjac Sponge!

How to purchase

If you are interested in purchasing either sponge, just click the pictures below to be taken to their Amazon product pages.

pureSOL Konjac Sponge with added Bamboo Charcoal:

pureSOL Konjac Sponge Original:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Let me just start by saying that I am the least flexible or graceful person that I know. I often have fabulous dreams about being able to do the splits, and lifting my foot over my head like a gymnast… but in real life I can’t even lean over and touch my toes. Obviously as my belly grows my attempts to touch my toes become even less realistic.

That being said, I applied to test and review this prenatal yoga DVD. I figured at the very least it would give me an excuse to sprawl on the floor, and maybe it would give me some new creative stretches to help with the emerging aches and pains of pregnancy. I’d tried yoga DVDs a few times before which claimed to be ‘beginner’, but I often found myself lost and frustrated when I couldn’t fold into a pretzel or couldn’t hold a pose because I just didn’t have the muscle strength in places I’d never even knew required muscles. Let’s just say I’m a beginning-yoga skeptic and was convinced you need to be a gymnast to do even the most basic poses.

Skepticism aside, I borrowed my mom’s yoga mat and put it on our wood floor, grabbed a pillow (just in case) and popped Julie Schoen’s Prenatal Yoga DVD into the player. Note that I didn’t take any photos… there is just no way in hell that was going to happen. I tried the DVD when nobody but Bennett and I were home, and even Bennett was napping. I wanted privacy to preserve whatever yoga dignity I have left, just in case it was another epic fail.

First impressions: Julie is a fabulous instructor. She is relaxed, descriptive and PREGNANT! What a relief it was to see a fellow belly doing all of the same things that I was expected to do. I also really liked how thorough she was when describing the different positions, as well as the benefits of doing so.

Results: To my surprise, I could actually do MOST of the poses. As an entirely inflexible beginner, I found a few to be too much of a challenge at the moment, however I intend to keep trying. My absolute favorite part are the relaxation exercises towards the end. I could do those all day!

Overall, I am incredibly pleased with the quality and presentation of this DVD. Even though I couldn’t do every pose, I wasn’t left feeling defeated. When it was done, I felt relaxed and eager to try it again (another day, of course).

To purchase Julie Schoen’s Prenatal Yoga DVD, click the link below to be taken to the Amazon product page.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

This is by far one of my favorite make-up related items that I’ve ever owned. My eyelashes are decently long (not long enough!), but they are blonde on the tips and grow straight out. Without mascara I look like I don’t have eyelashes at all, and even with mascara you can’t really see them unless I curl them. I’ve gone through probably 5 or 6 eyelash curlers in my adult life. Some have broken, and with others I’ve just run out of the pad refills and bought a new curler instead of replacing the pads. But I’ll tell you, I tried the Whiplash Eyelash Curler from Crave Naturals just ONCE and tossed my old one right into the trash.

First impressions: The box is stinkin’ adorable. The pink is fabulous (of course), and the throwback comic book feel to the image is so fun and unexpected. The eyelash curler itself has the most wonderful pink handles, and of course the pad is pink too! Plus, it has this hook type device to keep the handles together which makes storage much easier. Oh and the amount of pads that are included is so great. Usually when you buy an eyelash curler you get the one pre-installed, and one extra. This curler comes with the one installed plus 10 extra! What a great deal… it’ll take me a long long time to go through that many.

First use: Let me just say this: THIS. THING. WORKS. On clean lashes, I positioned the curler as close to my eyelid as I could and squeezed down for a few seconds. Bam. All of my lashes on one eye were perfectly curled upward and I could actually see them! The difference between my curled and uncurled lashes on the other eye was huge. I did the same to the other eye, applied a single layer of my favorite mascara, and had fabulous long and visible lashes.

Since the first time I used it, I’ve used it every day. It works great, is adorable and doesn’t pull my lashes. Overall it is a well make product that is a must have for any make up enthusiast.

Here are a few pointers from the folks at Crave Naturals:

A Couple of Things you might want to know about the Whiplash Eyelash Curler:

1. I know that the box for Whiplash is very eye catching and tempting to keep, however it is 100% recyclable, so please recycle it instead of throwing it in the trash. If you want to keep it as a piece of art, we completely understand.

2. There is a closure latch on Whiplash to make it easier to travel with and put away in your makeup bag, however you don’t need to use the latch at all. It can actually be taken off, it’s up to you.

The Secrets of Getting a Perfect Curl:

1. Always curl your lashes before putting on mascara. This prevents the lashes from sticking to the curler which can cause them to be pulled out.

2. Keep your lash curler clean at all times. This helps protect the eyelashes and also your eye from getting an infection.

3. A makeup artist once shared this tip with me: heat the lash curler up with your blow dryer for 5-10 seconds. Touch it to make sure it’s not too hot and then use the warmed up curler to curl your lashes. You must be careful that the curler it not too hot!

4. It doesn’t hurt to pump the curler to get a stronger curl.

5. Last, finish with one or two coats of mascara.

To purchase the Whiplash Eyelash Curler by Crave Naturals, click the link below to be taken to their Amazon product page.

OR as an added bonus, Crave Naturals is offering a limited time discount coupon for my readers. Simply follow the instructions below!

I’ve always struggled with oily and therefore acne prone skin. Recently I was introduced to the idea of using a cleansing oil rather than a traditional soapy or foamy cleanser to clean my face. At first I thought the idea sounded ridiculous… you want me to add more oil to what I already consider to be an oily disaster? But I read some reviews written by those who have similar oil control issues and decided to give it a shot. Then about a month ago I was given the opportunity to try out Insta Natural’s Deep Cleansing Facial Oil in exchange for an honest review. Talk about perfect timing!

First impressions- The bottle is glass, which always makes me feel a bit more comfortable (I’ve read that plastic can often seep chemicals into whatever is inside). The dropper on top makes it convenient and easy to use because it does not make a mess and you can control exactly how much comes out.

First use- I put a few drops into the palm of my hand and used my finger tips from the other hand to massage it into my face in a circular motion. It smells really good, so my pregnant and picky nose was not bothered at all. I was skeptical about using it on my eyes, mostly because I’m not the hugest fan of the stinging and burning sensation that usually comes with when you put a cleanser in your eye. But I gave it a shot and it didn’t sting at all. To rinse, I just cupped my hands and splashed my face a few times until I felt it was removed.

Results- I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I swear my oil production is more under control. I still get shiny at times, but I don’t feel like a grease bucket by the end of the day. My face feels soft and well hydrated, and my pimples seem to be clearing up. To be honest, since I’m pregnant and my hormones are changing every day, it’s hard for me to accurately judge whether I can attribute less acne to the Cleansing Oil or if my hormones are finally just mellowing out. Either way, I’m VERY happy with the results. As an added bonus, using it to remove my eye make up properly and in entirety has made my eyelashes softer, longer and fuller than they ever have been. What woman doesn’t want that?!

Here are a few pointers provided by the folks at Insta Natural:

– The Facial Oil Cleanser can be applied directly onto a dry face – in fact we recommend it!
– Pump the oil onto a washcloth, pad or cotton ball. You can use your hands as well.
– Massage the oil onto your face in circular motions to lift dirt and impurities.
– You can even wipe around your eyes to gently yet effectively remove makeup like eye liner and mascara.
– Use warm water to rub away the oil. It’s best to run a clean wash cloth under hot water and use this to remove the Facial Oil Cleanser.
– The facial oil should not dry out your skin and should leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.
– Useful Tip: You can use the facial oil cleanser to also clean your makeup brushes, such as an eyeliner brush. The oil will tackle any built-up material on the bristles to remove and break it apart, making the brush easier to clean.

To purchase this product, click the link below to be taken to their Amazon page.

Insta Natural was generous enough to also provide me with their Rosehip Seed Oil, which also has been known to calm acne and give the skin a natural, even glow.

First impressions- Like the Cleansing Oil, it comes in a glass bottle with plastic dropper to make for easy use and control. Upon opening the bottle, I was surprised to find that it does not smell like roses at all. In fact it has a bit of a fishy smell to it. Perhaps if I had taken the time to read the information provided by Insta Natural I would not have been surprised. They clearly explain that because the product is high in omega fatty acids, there may be a slight fishy smell to it. Unfortunately, my pregnant nose seems to be magnifying EVERYTHING that is even remotely fishy, and it was a bit too much for me. Luckily, I had my mom on hand to volunteer to try it out. She swears it doesn’t smell bad… it must just be me.

First use- After cleansing her face at night, she pumps 2-3 drops onto her fingertips and rubs them on her face and neck until it is absorbed. Then she goes to bed as usual.

Results- After using the product for roughly three weeks, she is insanely happy with the outcome. She has enjoyed fewer breakouts (I suppose I can thank her for the adult acne gene), and feels like her skin is more even and much much much softer.

Here are some pointers provided by Insta Natural:

– A patch test is recommended before using InstaNatural Rosehip Seed Oil.
– Before using the product, cleanse the face and pat dry.
– Take 2-3 drops of our Certified Organic Rosehip seed oil on your fingertips. Rub the fingertips together and then apply on face, neck and body.
– Massage it gently into the skin till absorbed completely.
– It can also be used with your favorite moisturizer or cream. Just mix a few drops of Rosehip Oil with your moisturizer and apply as usual.
– For hair and scalp, massage a few drops with fingertips. You may also use Rosehip as part of your hot oil therapy. Just include few drops of Rosehip oil in your hot oil mixture (coconut oil, argan oil, etc.). Finally, try adding few drops of Rosehip oil to your favorite conditioner to give your hair an extra boost in nutrients.
– Massage a few drops on nails and cuticles.
– Keep your bottle of Rosehip Seed Oil refrigerated and away from light to extend shelf life.
– If any irritation or redness occurs after using the product, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
– Please note that Rosehip oil is not recommended as a facial moisturizer on very acne prone skin, because it may worsen the condition, but it can be applied liberally all over the body.

If you’ve never used Rosehip Oil before, please note that Pure Rosehip Oil does not carry any rose fragrance as the oil is extracted from the seeds or fruits and not from the petals which contain the aromatic molecules.

Unrefined Rosehip Oil (Purest Rosehip Oil, with nothing taken away) should always have a very characteristic smell, having a sort of warm and earthy tone: pleasant or unpleasant depending on your taste. There should also be some fishiness to the scent, as is the case due to the high contents of omega fatty acids. This scent dissipates after a few minutes. Of course if you still find the scent too strong, feel free to mix the rosehip oil with a lotion or moisturizer to improve the smell while retaining the many benefits of the oil.

To purchase this product, click the link below to be taken to their Amazon product page.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I’m just going to jump out there and say it… this is my first review of a book, so hang in here with me as I work out the best way to do this.

I’ve been lucky enough to receive an Ebook through Amazon, titled “Almost Perfect” by Orly Krauss-Winer. I’m an avid reader, and have been known to dive into a book and not come up for air until I’ve finished it, and this one was no exception. The description that was provided prior to download is as follows:

“A Saturday off-road outing leads to a burned-out car with a man’s body inside: a young and successful lawyer found dead, with no known enemies. Three women, all deeply connected in some way to the victim, are swept into the investigation, involving a post-WWII love affair, an embezzlement case, and a brilliant police detective. When the truth is revealed, secrets are exposed – they must all face a difficult, complex, and unexpected reality.
Almost Perfect is a light thriller, which does not require a thorough reading to trace the hidden details. You will find a sophisticated, intriguing story, variety in the narration, and many secondary stories (interesting in themselves), connecting to a harmonious overall picture. It has humanity and longing for warmth and love.
The writer sets her stories in the real world, where the smells, tastes and feelings are known and accessible to the reader. These make the book enjoyable, thrilling, and allow the reader to connect with the characters.”

Overall, I definitely agree with the description. I typically enjoy what you would call “light reading” because I like to sort of escape into whatever book I’m reading without risking getting too emotionally involved. Those who know me will tell you that something as simple as a commercial can make me cry like a baby and effect my mood for the worst. However this book followed up on its promise to be a light read. The characters are generally relate able, and while the story would be upsetting in real life it is not written in a manner to upset you as a reader.

Something that I was really impressed with was the writer’s ability to tell multiple stories simultaneously. As you’re reading you know that they will come together at some point, but the switching back and forth adds to the story and keeps you entertained.

Being from the United States, the fact that the story is set in Israel was a bit confusing for me. I found it hard to relate to the places that were discussed, and because of that I had a difficult time getting a visual in my mind. Along with that, the units of measurements and currency were hard for me to follow without Googling what the American equivalency would be.

All in all I found “Almost Perfect” to be very entertaining, with a few fabulous twists and turns. I definitely recommend giving it a read. Find it on Amazon here: Almost Perfect: Mystery & Crime Thriller

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.